Headline News
Maine Conservation Purchase Protects
AMC's Lodge-to-Lodge Ski/Hike/Bike Route
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) recently announced its purchase of the 29,500-acre Roach Ponds tract—a historic transaction that marks the creation of a 63-mile-long corridor of conservation land comprising nearly 650,000 contiguous acres open to public recreational use in the Maine Woods. It also provides a permanent connection between three traditional Maine sporting camps, with a fourth to be added in 2011, through cross-country skiing, hiking and biking trails.
The first leg of the self-guided lodge-to-lodge skiing tour travels across the newly protected property and then continues the next day to AMC’s 37,000-acre Katahdin Iron Works property, which is also permanently protected.
The AMC offers a unique opportunity to cross-country ski lodge-to-lodge on an expansive, protected natural landscape in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Lodging, meals, and gear shuttling are all included, making it possible to ski with a light pack and combine a remote backcountry experience with traditional Maine sporting camp hospitality. Each lodge features private cabins heated by wood stoves and freshly prepared meals, and a wood-fired sauna welcomes skiers on the final stretch of the trip.
Skiing between lodges, guests stay overnight at AMC's Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins, partner West Branch Pond Camps, and AMC's Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins. Both three- and five-night itineraries are offered, with the second option allowing extra days to explore the extensive local network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails around AMC's lodges, or to simply enjoy some downtime. The distance between each lodge is approximately 8.5 miles.
Additionally, AMC is offering several guided lodge-to-lodge ski trips. You can choose from a two-night, a four-night and a five-night tour.
The trail network is recommended for intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers comfortable in a backcountry setting. All-inclusive self-guided three-night rates start at $453 for non-members, and five-night rates start at $619. The self-guided itinerary is available Jan. 22—March 28, 2010. All rates are plus taxes and include meals, lodging and gear shuttling. The guided five-night trip starts at $882 for non-members.
For reservations, call (603) 466-2727. Full details about lodge accommodations and amenities are available on AMC’s website at www.outdoors.org/mainelodges.
About the Appalachian Mountain Club
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment. For more information, visit AMC's website at www.outdoors.org.
The AMC has donated a conservation easement on the Roach Ponds Tract to the State of Maine, ensuring the parcel is protected from development in perpetuity. This land conservation project is a major milestone in AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, a plan for land conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness region that addresses regional ecological and economic needs through outdoor recreation, resource protection, sustainable forestry, and community partnerships. For further information about the AMC’s Roach Ponds tract, visit www.outdoors.org/mwi.